> "In the markets I'm discussing here, they almost exclusively want to move to a position where they're instructing others. There just seems to be less interest - less passion - in code and inevitably that's going to impact quality."

I think this statement misses the point completely, the difference isn't the passion about coding, it's obviously the salary!

If you are one of the juniors toiling away in the front-lines, your pay is still going to be really low. A programming role only allows to get your foot through the door, if you are to make a decent living the only way is to shoot for a promotion into management.

As opposed to "the West" where you can actually pursue a technical role throughout your career because the pay is higher and there are many more different types of roles you could be doing.